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The infamous crisis of March 2003 caused by SARS struck Hong Kong and Guangdong province deeply. Thanks to the immediate action taken by healthcare professionals and businesses, who worked diligently to suppress its spread throughout the world, the virus was effectively controlled by July of the same year. Nevertheless, those several months served to initiate public awareness of the threat of pandemics, and helped establish proactive processes, in case similar perils strike in the future.

Ten years on, the threats of H7N9 and H5N1, two influenza A viruses that primarily affect birds, are arousing public attention. H7N9 is an avian virus completely unknown before March, with many sporadic cases and much information left to be desired. Although avian flu is a cause for concern, it primarily calls for knowledge, awareness and preparedness at this stage. Organizations can implement preventative measures now to help keep the bird flu at bay.

What should businesses known about H7N9? In the mild cases that have occurred, most infected patients exhibit influenza-like symptoms but a significant number of patients experience severe respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. However, symptoms such as a fever, headache, shortness of breath or a cough, are not enough to make a claim for Avian Influenza H7N9 alone, and laboratory confirmation is essential. The virus can be transmitted by close contact as well as through airborne transmission and those who are contracting the sickness possibly have had contact with infected poultry up to two weeks beforehand. Although transmission between sick poultry and people is still being investigated, there is more evidence now that poultry markets are the source of infection. One of the concerns is that detection in birds is made difficult because fowls usually do not appear ill or may seem only mildly sick when they are actually harboring the potentially deadly influenza virus.

Bird environments, such as areas contaminated by droppings, may also play some role in the spread of disease. Researchers are methodically investigating transmission methods to learn more. To date, tests for human-to-human transactions appear limited, with most close contacts of those infected patients testing negative. Currently, the risks of Avian Influenza H7N9 to the average person appear to be low, though the World Health Organization warns that the virus has the potential to evolve and spread. There is indeed a non-negligible risk that the virus will become transmissible between people. Consequently, awareness of the danger and a health-consciousness attitude can help to mitigate exposure.

Organizations are advised to maintain some form of vigilance on a corporate level, keeping up-to-date with reliable sources and health experts, ensuring that there are open communication and information channels between staff members, government bodies and relevant NGOs. Corporations should exercise caution and monitor the situation closely. Pandemic preparedness encompasses surveillance, epidemiological investigations to understand more about these diseases and efforts to minimize the spread of illness in case of an outbreak.

From a human-resources and day-to-day operational perspective, organizations should also work to ensure employee health and maintain business continuity, even if the situation worsens. This means a close eye on the developing situation, guaranteeing up-to-date recommendations from reliable health sources. Identify employees and dependents that fall into a "high risk" group to help make certain that their healthcare is optimized. If it proves necessary, pre-emptive plans for relocating essential staff to safe areas can help.

To prevent infection of any kind on a general level, employees should avoid live animal markets when possible, especially live bird markets and pig farms. When eating, always ensure that poultry products are thoroughly cooked. Also, maintaining vigilance about general hygiene advice is always a good idea. For example, ensure that your staff members are washing their hands frequently and know how to wash them properly.

More than 10 years ago, the SARS epidemic gave us a preview of how pandemic diseases can rapidly spread. If bird flu does develop the ability to transmit from person-to-person as a certainty, the results could be detrimental for region-wide businesses. At this point and time, take action to ensure that your workplace is informed about avian flu. Organizations must maintain the health of their employees to proactively avoid infection, and being knowledgeable about the dangers of bird flu is the first step toward a safe, healthy and happy Hong Kong.

The author is a medical director of International SOS.

(HK Edition 05/31/2013 page9)